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"O" is a conjunction which is often translated as "or", and "por lo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "so". Learn more about the difference between "o" and "por lo que" below.
o, la o(
oh
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. either...or
Terminarás tu tarea o por las buenas o por las malas.You're going to finish your homework either the easy way or the hard way.
3. (otherwise)
a. or
La residencia del presidente de los Estados Unidos, o Casa Blanca, fue construida en 1790.The residence of the President of the United States, or the White House, was built in 1790.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
por lo que(
pohr
loh
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. so
Mi tío estaba ocupado, por lo que regresé a casa sin hablar con él.My uncle was busy, so I went back home without talking to him.
b. for which reason
Mi jefe no tenía confianza en mí, por lo que me vigilaba constantemente.My boss didn't trust me, for which reason he kept an eye on me constantly.
c. which is why
Es difícil explicar el problema, por lo que me voy a callar.It's hard to explain the problem, which is why I'm not going to say anything.
d. which was why
Me enfadé muchísimo, por lo que le colgué el teléfono.I got really annoyed, which was why I hung up on him.